Alternative organic fuel formulations including vegetable oil and petroleum diesel

ABSTRACT

Fuel formulations may be produced from vegetable oil without the need to remove glycerin from the vegetable oil prior to use. The fuel formulations may be used in diesel fuel vehicles and/or as a home heating oil. The fuel formulations may include vegetable oil, petroleum diesel, a fuel stabilizer, and a cetane boost additive.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/833,272, filed Jul. 26, 2006, and U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/872,798, filed Dec. 5, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to alternative fuel formulations includingvegetable oil. More particularly the invention relates to vegetable oilfuel formulations in which glycerin does not have to be removed from rawvegetable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on renewable resources, mostcommonly vegetable oil. Biodiesel itself contains no petroleum, but istypically blended with petroleum diesel to create a Biodiesel blend.

The term Biodiesel is generally used to describe the output of athermodynamic process where the glycerin component of vegetable oil isseparated and removed from the ethyl or methyl esters of the source oil.The glycerin component of vegetable oil is normally considered anegative because its presence raises the viscosity and flash point ofvegetable oil to levels that are incompatible with commonly used dieselengines.

Biodiesel offers several benefits over typical fossil fuels. Thesebenefits include cleaner burning and the fact that it can be producedfrom available renewable resources.

Biodiesel, however, also has many drawbacks. For example, the process ofproducing Biodiesel is capital intensive and time consuming. TheBiodiesel process also has ecological negatives, primarily in the formof pollutant byproducts.

The typical Biodiesel process begins by taking, for example, ten gallonsof used vegetable oil. The oil is first filtered to remove foodparticulates in the oil. Methanol and lye are then added to the oil. Themixture is heated for a period of time, often several hours, to atemperature generally between 48 and 54 degrees C. The solution is thenallowed to cool, generally for 8 hours or longer, during which theheavier glycerin component precipitates out of the solution. The methylesters—the Biodiesel—are then skimmed off of the top of the solution.Generally, a little over 60 vol. % of the solution will be refinedBiodiesel fuel. The glycerin by-product is approximately 8 vol. % byvolume of the original oil. Next, the Biodiesel fuel is cleaned withwater to remove any remaining lye. If the lye is not completely removedfrom the fuel it can corrode certain types of vehicle fuel lines and,potentially, clog fuel filters. Finally, the Biodiesel is cleaned anddried in a process that separates water and residual impurities from thepure Biodiesel. Among the pollutant byproducts of this process is watertainted with lye.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Because of the numerous drawbacks associated with producing andutilizing Biodiesel, a need exists for vegetable oil-based fuelformulations that do not require the separation of glycerin from rawvegetable. Accordingly, this invention includes what I call Alt-dieselfuel formulations and methods of making Alt-diesel fuel formulationsthat include vegetable oil in which glycerin may not be removed from thevegetable oil prior to use.

One embodiment of a fuel formulation includes 25 to 75 vol. % vegetableoil in which the glycerin has not been removed, 25 to 75 vol. %petroleum diesel, 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer, and 0.01 to 5 vol.% cetane boost additive.

The cetane boost additive may include octylnitrate. The vegetable oilmay be an edible or non-edible plant oil. The vegetable oil may, forexample, include (but is not limited to) jatropha oil, algae oil, soyoil, peanut oil. The formulation may further include 1 to 20 vol. %turpentine. The fuel formulation may also include 25 to 75 vol. %petroleum diesel. The fuel formulation may be configured to be used asan automotive fuel.

Another embodiment of a fuel formulation includes 25 to 75 vol. %vegetable oil from which the glycerin has not been removed, 1 to 50 vol.% petroleum diesel, 1 to 50 vol. % turpentine, 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuelstabilizer, and 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetane boost additive.

Yet another embodiment of a fuel formulation includes 70 to 98 vol. %vegetable oil, 1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel, and 1 to 20 vol. %regular gasoline. The glycerin is not required to be removed from thevegetable oil. The formulation may include 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetanebooster, and/or 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer. The formulation mayalso include 1 to 20 vol. % turpentine. The fuel formulation may alsoinclude 1 to 20 vol. % kerosene.

Another embodiment of a fuel formulation includes 70 to 98 vol. %vegetable oil, 1 to 40 vol. % ethanol, 1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel,and 0.01 to 40 vol. % surfactant. The glycerin is not required to beremoved from the vegetable oil. The formulation may include 0.01 to 5vol. % cetane booster, and/or 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer. Theformulation may also include 1 to 20 vol. % turpentine. The fuelformulation may also include 1 to 20 vol. % kerosene.

A method of producing a fuel formulation includes blending together 70to 98 vol. % vegetable oil from which the glycerin has not been removed,1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel, and 1 to 20 vol. % regular gasoline.

Another method of producing a fuel formulation includes blendingtogether 70 to 98 vol. % vegetable oil from which the glycerin has notbeen removed, 1 to 40 vol. % ethanol, 1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel,and 0.01 to 40 vol. % surfactant.

Yet another method of producing a fuel formulation includes blendingtogether 25 to 75 vol. % vegetable oil in which the glycerin has notbeen removed, 1 to 50 vol. % petroleum diesel, 1 to 50 vol. %turpentine, 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer, and 0.01 to 5 vol. %cetane boost additive.

Another method of producing a fuel formulation includes blendingtogether 25 to 75 vol. % vegetable oil from which the glycerin has notbeen removed, 25 to 75 vol. % petroleum diesel, 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuelstabilizer; and 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetane boost additive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Alternative formulations of vegetable oil-based fuels (hereinafterreferred to as Alt-diesel formulations) that overcome or lessen severalof the drawbacks of Biodiesel may be produced. These formulations can beproduced quickly and easily and can have little or no cold weathersensitivity at temperature lows typical to North America.

These Alt-diesel formulations can burn more cleanly than fossil fuelssuch as #2 diesel. Alt-diesel formulations can burn at least 50% morecleanly than fossil fuels and, even at least 80% or more cleanly.

Alt-diesel formulations are noncorrosive so there are no fuel lineproblems or clogging of fuel filters. Vehicles may run on the Alt-dieselformulations without the need to modify the vehicles or vehiclecomponents.

These Alt-diesel formulations are stable and can be stored for longterms before use without breaking down. Some Alt-diesel formulations maybe stored at least one month, or a year or more before use.

In one embodiment, the production of an Alt-diesel formulation startswith vegetable oil, for example, ten gallons of used or fresh soy oil. Awide variety of oils is suitable. Virtually any non-animal plant oil canbe used. As used herein the term “vegetable oil” will be used to referto all non-animal plant oils suitable for use as fuel. Preferred oilsinclude jatropha, algae, soy, peanut and a variety of other edible andnon-edible vegetable oils. It is particularly beneficial that thedescribed process utilize oils from non-edible plant sources.

Preferably, the oil does not include or only includes small amounts ofshortening. Although vegetable shortening will work, less fuel isproduced and more byproducts per gallon are generated from shortening.In addition, because of the higher water content in shortening,shortening is a poor fuel for use in diesel engines.

Either fresh or used oil can be used. Used oil, however, is preferablyseparated before use. Used oil, for example, can be gathered from eitherrestaurants or a manufacturing facility. It can then be strained andplaced in a settling tank. The oil then preferably settles for at leasttwelve hours. This process separates the good oil from the water andfats. The water and fats will settle to the bottom of the tank and canbe drained off. The good oil or fresh oil can then be filtered eitherbefore or after mixing with one or more fossil fuels and/or additives.

Preferred amounts of vegetable oil in some formulations may include 25to 75 vol. %, 30 to 70 vol. %, and 40 to 60 vol. %. Preferred amounts ofvegetable oil in other formulations may include 70 to 98 vol. %, 75 to95 vol. %, and 80 to 90 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include petroleum diesel, for example #2diesel, which can be added to reduce the viscosity of the oil. Preferredamounts of petroleum diesel in some formulations may include 25 to 75vol. %, 30 to 70 vol. %, and 40 to 60 vol. %. Preferred amounts ofpetroleum diesel in other formulations may include 1 to 20 vol. %, 5 to15 vol. %, and 7 to 12 vol. %. Preferred amounts of petroleum diesel inyet other formulations may include 1 to 50 vol. %, 10 to 40 vol. % and15 to 35 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include kerosene in addition to or inplace of some or all of the petroleum diesel. Preferred amounts ofkerosene in some formulations may include 25 to 75 vol. %, 30 to 70 vol.%, and 40 to 60 vol. %. Preferred amounts of kerosene in otherformulations may include 1 to 20 vol. %, 5 to 15 vol. %, and 7 to 12vol. %. Preferred amounts of kerosene in yet other formulations mayinclude 1 to 50 vol. %, 10 to 40 vol. % and 15 to 35 vol. %.

The Alt diesel formulation may include turpentine, which like petroleumdiesel and kerosene, can be added to reduce the viscosity of the oil.Turpentine has the added benefit that it can be obtained from organicsources. Preferred amounts of turpentine in some formulations mayinclude 25 to 75 vol. %, 30 to 70 vol. %, and 40 to 60 vol. %. Preferredamounts of turpentine in other formulations may include 1 to 20 vol. %,5 to 15 vol. %, and 7 to 12 vol. %. Preferred amounts of turpentine inyet other formulations may include 1 to 50 vol. %, 10 to 40 vol. % and15 to 35 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include a fuel stabilizer. Fuelstabilizers are additives which help prevent the fuel from undergoingdegradation and oxidation, particularly during prolonged storage. Fuelstabilizers can also be used to prevent glycerin in the fuel fromclogging the intake system. An example of a preferred fuel stabilizer isDIESEL KLEAN manufactured by Share Corp. Another example of a preferredfuel stabilizer is STA-BIL fuel stabilizer manufactured by Gold EagleCo. Preferred amounts of fuel stabilizer in the formulation include0.001 to 5 vol. %, 0.01 to 1 vol. %, and 0.05 to 0.10 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include regular gasoline to aid withignition. Preferred amounts of regular gasoline in the formulationinclude 1 to 20 vol. %, 2 to 10 vol. %, and 3 to 7 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include a cetane booster. A preferredcetane booster includes octylnitrate alone or in combination with othercetane boosting agents. An Example of a preferred cetane booster isAMSOIL cetane boost additive. Preferred amounts of cetane booster in theformulation include, 0.01 to 5 vol. %, 0.05 to 3 vol. %, and 0.1 to 2vol. %.

One method of producing an Alt-diesel formulation may include blendingvegetable oil, petroleum diesel, fuel stabilizer, regular gasoline andcetane booster. The mixture is then ready for use.

Another method of producing an Alt-Diesel formulation may includeblending vegetable oil, petroleum diesel, a fuel stabilizer, and acetane booster. Yet another method of producing an Alt-Dieselformulation may include blending vegetable oil, petroleum diesel,turpentine, a fuel stabilizer, and a cetane booster.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include ethanol. Ethanol can neutralizethe negative attributes of glycerin in vegetable oil, as the glycerin isrendered inert and burned off in the combustion process. In addition,when ethanol is used in the formulation the amount of gasoline,petroleum diesel, and/or kerosene used in the formulation can be reducedor even eliminated. The ethanol may be pure ethanol or denaturedethanol. Preferred amounts of ethanol in the formulation include 1 to 40vol. %, 5 to 25 vol. %, and 10 to 20 vol. %.

Another benefit that the ethanol brings to the ethanol containingAlt-diesel formulation is a reduction or elimination in the need for thefuel stabilizer component used in the previous formulation (as thesurfactant/fuel-line-antifreeze achieves a similar result). Preferredamounts of fuel stabilizer in an ethanol containing formulation include0.001 to 1 vol. %, 0.005 to 0.75 vol. %, and 0.002 to 0.003 vol. %.

The Alt-diesel formulation may include a surfactant. The surfactantcomponent can be used to help insure the proper blending properties ofthe oil and ethanol. This component can also be used in the regulationof viscosity. Many suitable surfactants are currently used in fuel lineantifreeze products sold today. Preferred surfactants include, but arenot limited to, Toluene, Acetone, and Stoddard solvent. Preferredamounts of surfactant in the formulation include 0.01 to 40 vol. %, 0.1to 10 vol. %, and 0.5 to 5 vol. %.

An example of a method of producing an ethanol containing formulationincludes blending vegetable oil, ethanol, a surfactant, and optionally,other ingredients to achieve the operational and burn characteristics ofdistillate petroleum fuels such as diesel and home heating oil.

The process can be accomplished using simple mixing and filtrationequipment. The process preferably produces no harmful by-products.Specifically, the process preferably produces only food particulates,and then only when waste oil is used in the formulation, which can besold to, for example, dog food manufacturers. The fuel also preferablyleaves little or no build up in the intake and the exhaust manifolds ofthe engine. The Alt-diesel formulations can provide better lubricationthan pure fossil diesel. In addition to working in diesel engineautomobiles, the fuel can also be used as a home heating oil with noneed for modification of the burner needed.

The oil or Alt-diesel formulations are preferably filtered to runthrough a typical diesel vehicle fuel filter of 2 micron filtration.Preferably, the Alt-diesel formulations are filtered to removeparticulates that are more than 1 micron in diameter.

The Alt-diesel formulations can be produced by filtering the oil orformulations using one or more filters. A filtration system for used oilcan include screening the oil as it is poured into a settling tank. Theoil is then pumped from the settling tank through a 10 to 30 micron,more preferably 15 to 20 micron filter and then through a 1 microncarbon filter. Finally, the oil is pumped through a 5 to 50 micron, morepreferably, a 10 to 30 micron desiccate filter to remove any remainingwater. The water separator is used because water can be extremelydetrimental to diesel engines. The filtered oil can be mixed, if itwasn't mixed prior to filtering, with the fossil fuel(s) and/oradditives and is ready to be pumped into the vehicle.

By filtering the fuel formulations using a series of filters, thepressure required to move the thick oil through the filters can bereduced. If new oil is being used the oil may only be pumped through aten micron desiccate filter and then mixed.

EXAMPLES

This invention will be better understood with reference to the followingnon-limiting examples, which are intended to illustrate specificembodiments within the overall scope of the invention.

Example 1

10 gallons of filtered oil were mixed with one gallon of kerosene and 5oz of STA-BIL fuel stabilizer. The 10% kerosene is the normal amountadded to regular diesel fuel to run in cold weather. The 10% kerosenealso appeared to give the oil the same viscosity as regular diesel. TheSTA-BIL fuel stabilizer was added to attach to the micro droplets ofwater in the oil. 1 oz of fuel stabilizer was added to 2.5 gallons offuel.

The fuel was used in a diesel John Deere tractor. The tractor would notstart at first, but did eventually start when ether was used tofacilitate initial combustion. The engine ran very roughly until itwarmed up to normal operating temperature. Once up to temperature theengine ran well. This test showed that an additional component should beadded to the formulation to produce a flash point typically used to getcombustion initiated while starting the engine. Accordingly, 5% regulargasoline was added to the mix to provide the needed flash point atignition. With this refined formulation, the engine started and ran withno ether.

Example 2

DIESEL KLEAN with Cetane booster was added to the formulation describedin Example 1 including the regular gasoline to help prevent residuebuild up and to raise the cetane level of the fuel. This mixture wasthen run in a used 1997 Volkswagen Passat TDI. Prior to running themixture in the Passat, the intake was taken off of the engine. Theintake was completely clogged with soot. In addition, the EGR valve wasclogged as was the water pre-heater (this is a common problem withdiesel engines run in the Northeast part of the United States).Accordingly, these parts were cleaned as well as possible prior torunning the fuel.

10,000 miles of testing was conducted on the Passat using thisAlt-diesel formulation. During testing, the Passat was left exposed tolow over-night temperatures (recorded morning temperatures were as lowas −4° F.). The Passat started without the block heater plugged in andwithout ether. The Passat would likely not have started on regulardiesel under these conditions.

After 10,000 miles the intake manifold of the Passat was removed tomeasure the soot build up. Not only was there no build up, but theremains of the soot that were not removed earlier were starting to washclean. The Alt-diesel formulation was not only running cleanly but wasalso clearing the engine of old residue.

This Alt-diesel fuel was next tested on an unmodified 1986 Volvo Diesel,an unmodified 1980 Mercedes 300SD, an unmodified a 2005 Jeep LibertyDiesel and a Mercedes E300 diesel, to validate that the formulationworked on a variety of vehicles without modifications. The Alt-dieselfuel ran successfully on all of these vehicles without anymodifications.

The 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel has one of the most sophisticated dieselmanagement systems of any diesel vehicle running in North America and,accordingly, provides a good test case for the use of the Alt-dieselformulation in demanding applications. The Jeep was bought in NorthCarolina and then driven to New York. The dealer noted that the Jeepmight not run as well on the dirty diesel fuel sold in the north east.The Jeep was driven to New York on the southern-specification dieselfuel and subsequently run on the Alt-diesel formulation. The Jeep ranmore quietly on the Alt-diesel formulation. New York-specificationdiesel was then put in the Jeep and, after being started, the checkengine light came on. The conclusion is that the Jeep rejected the NewYork-specification diesel fuel but ran with no issues on the Alt-dieselformulation.

Finally, the Alt-diesel formulation was used as a home heating oil. Anold oil fired hot air furnace was used for the test. The same filtrationprocess described above for the cars was used, but the Alt-dieselformulation was modified. Since the oil burner had an ignition system,the gasoline was removed from the mixture. The fuel burned perfectlywith no change in nozzle size.

Accordingly, an embodiment of the Alt-diesel formulation for cars is:

10 gallons used vegetable or peanut oil

1 gallon of Kerosene

1 gallon of regular gasoline

1.5 oz of STA-BIL fuel stabilizer

7 oz of Diesel Klean with cetane boost or Diesel fuel supplement withcetane boost

The same formulation with or without the regular gasoline can be used asa home heating oil. The fuel formulation was then tested for compliancewith ASTM standards for #2 Diesel and Biodiesel. The results of thesetests appear in Table 1.

Example 3

An ethanol containing Alt-diesel formulation was prepared by mixing 10gallons of used Vegetable Oil, 1 Gallon denatured ethanol, ½ gallon ofKerosene, 7 oz of Diesel Klean with cetane boost, and 1.5 oz Toluene.This formulation can be used as an automotive fuel.

Example 4

An Alt diesel formulation was prepared by mixing 500 ml vegetable oil,500 ml kerosene, 5 ml Diesel Kleen and 3 ml cetane boost additive. Thefuel formulation was then tested for compliance with ASTM standards for#2 Diesel and Biodiesel. The results of these tests appear in Table 1.Preferably, the Alt-diesel formulation is selection to meet exceed oneor more of these standards. As shown in Table 1, this formulation met orexceeds the requirements for #2 Diesel and Biodiesel.

Example 5

An Alt diesel formulation was prepared by mixing 500 ml vegetable oil,250 ml kerosene, 250 turpentine, 5 ml Diesel Kleen and 10 ml cetaneboost additive. The fuel formulation was then tested for compliance withASTM standards for #2 diesel and Biodiesel. The results of these testsappear in Table 2.

Example 6

Alt-diesel formulation for cars can include 10 gallons used vegetable orpeanut oil, 1 gallon of #2 diesel, ½ gallon of regular gasoline, 1.5 ozof STA-BIL fuel stabilizer, 7 oz of Diesel Klean with cetane boost orDiesel fuel supplement with cetane boost. This same formulation with orwithout the regular gasoline can be used as a home heating oil.

Example 7

Another ethanol containing Alt-diesel formulation is prepared by mixing10 gallons of used vegetable oil, 1 gallon denatured ethanol, ½ gallonof #2 diesel, 7 oz of Diesel Klean with cetane boost, and 1.5 oztoluene. This formulation can be used as an automotive fuel.

Example 8

An Alt diesel formulation is prepared by mixing 500 ml vegetable oil,500 ml #2 diesel, 5 ml Diesel Kleen and 3 ml cetane boost additive.

Example 9

Yet another Alt diesel formulation is prepared by mixing 500 mlvegetable oil, 250 ml #2 diesel, 250 turpentine, 5 ml Diesel Kleen and10 ml cetane boost additive. TABLE 1 ASTM D975 Additional StandardStandards Test Test ASTM for #2 Additional for Method Method Test Diesel(Low Standards for Biodiesel Example 4 Employed Example 2 EmployedProperty Method Sulfer) #2 Diesel (B100) Formulation (Intertek)Formulation (Intertek) Flash Point - degrees D93 52 C./ 135 F. *** D93A 100 * D93A Celsius minimum 125.6 F. Water - % volume (D2709) D2709 or0.05  <0.005 *** D2709  <0.05 *** D2709 or parts per million D1744(D2709) maximum (D1744) Sediment - % volume D2709 or 0.05  <0.005 ***D2709  <0.05 *** D2709 (D2709) or parts per D5452 (D2709) millionmaximum (D5452) Distillation % volume D86 282 to 338 360 366.4 **D1160 >800 * D1160 recovery - 90% maximum, (6) Alt. Alt. degrees CelsiusKinematic viscosity - D445 1.9 to 4.1 1.9 to 6.0  6.202 ** D445  14.96 *40 degrees Celsius Copper Corrosion - D130 Number 3  1a *** D130   1a*** D130 test strip maximum Add Number - mg KOH/g 0.5  0.087 *** D664Cetane Number - D613 40   47  42.9 *** D613  40.3 ** D613 minimumRamsbottom Carbon - D524 0.15   0.35 0.05  0.24 ** D4530   0.16 *** D52410% residue maximum Alt. API Gravity - maximum D287 or 39   31.5 ***D4052 D4052 Lubricity - load grams D6078 or 520 (D6079) 217 *** D6079 182.5 *** D6079 minimum (D6078) or D6079 (3) microns maximum (D6079)Accelerated Stability D2274 15  Low Temperature Flow - D2500 or (4) −16C./3.2 F. *** D2500  −10.8 C./ D2500 degrees Celsius D4539  12.6 F. **Ash - % maximum D482 or 0.01 0.02  <0.001 *** D874  <0.001 *** D482 D874Sulfer - parts per D5453 (2) 15 ppm or 0.05% 0.05  5.3 ppm *** D5453 0.004% *** D5453 million Phosphorous Content 0.001  <0.0010 *** D4951Calcium Ca + Mg < 5.0  <1.0 *** EN14538 Magnesium Ca + Mg < 5.0  <1.0*** EN14538 Sodium Na + K < 5.0  1.1 *** EN14538 Potassium Na + K < 5.0 <1.0 *** EN14538 Oxidation Stability >3.0 HR  7.6 HR *** EN14112Induction Period @ 110 C. Microbial Growth (5)EASILY MEETS OR EXCEEDS SPECIFICATION: ***MARGINALLY MEETS/MISSES SPECIFICATION: **MISSES SPECIFICATION: *ALTERNATE TEST METHOD EMPLOYED: Alt.(1) #1 DF and #2 DF are intended for use in the same applicationsdescribed in the definitions of Grade No. 1-D and Grade No. 2-Drespectively in ASTM D975.(2) ASTM test D2622 is the test recommended by the EMA while test D5453is used by the California Air Research Board (CARB).(3) EMA recommends that lubricity levels be determined by ASTM D6078,Scuffing Load Wear Test (SBOCLE). Alternatively, lubricity may bemeasured using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR), ASTM D6O79.Using this test, a wear scar of 0.45 mm at 60° C. is equivalent to aSBOCLE result of 3100 g.(4) Diesel fuels must pass the Cloud Point (D2500) Or Low TemperatureFlow Test (D4539) at the use temperature. Low temperature flowcapability is the responsibility of the fuel supplier for retail fuels.It is adjusted monthly during the winter, depending on local climate.Unless specifically recommended by the# engine manufacturer or discussed with the fuel supplier in advance,modification of the waxing properties of fuels using aftermarket fueladditives is not recommended as an option for meeting the lowtemperature operability requirement.(5) While EMA has not included any recommendation with respect toMicrobial Growth, it should be noted that microbial growth can causeoperational problems, corrosion and sediment build-up in diesel enginefuel systems. The growth of# microbes in fuel storage tanks and vehicle/equipment fuel tanks isbelieved to be related to pipeline and storage techniques and times andcannot be sufficiently addressed in a fuel specification.(6) Distillation procedures are not designed for biodiesel and hybridbiodiesel testing

TABLE 2 Test Results for Example 5 Formulation Method Test Results UnitsD4052 API Gravity @ 60 Deg F. 29.4 deg API D93 method A Corrected FlashPoint 115 deg F. D2709 Water and Sediment <0.005 Vol % D445 at 40 deg C.Kinematic Viscosity @ 40° C. 6.078 cSt D874 Sulfated Ash <0.001 Wt %D5453 Sulfur 13.1 ppm D130 Copper Corrosion @ 122° F. for 3 hrs 1a D613Cetane Number 45.2 D2500 Cloud Point −17 deg C. D2500 Cloud Point 1.4deg F. D4530 Micro Carbon Residue 0.35 Wt % D664 Acid Number 0.082 mgKOH/g D4951 Phosphorus <0.0010 Wt % D1160, deg F. Initial Boiling Point273.8 deg F. D1160, deg F. 5% Recovery 334.7 deg F. D1160, deg F. 10%Recovery 338.7 deg F. D1160, deg F. 20% Recovery 356.7 deg F. D1160, degF. 30% Recovery 390.6 deg F. D1160, deg F. 40% Recovery 424.6 deg F.D1160, deg F. 50% Recovery 834.6 deg F. D1160, deg F. Final BoilingPoint 922.1 deg F. D1160, deg F. % Recovered 60.0 % D1160, deg F. % Loss0.0 % D1160, deg F. % Residue 40.0 % EN 14538 Calcium <1.0 mg/kg EN14538 Magnesium <1.0 mg/kg EN 14538 Sodium <1.0 mg/kg EN 14538 Potassium<1.0 mg/kg EN 14112 Oxidation Stability Induction Period @ 110° C. 4.8hr

This application discloses several numerical ranges. The numericalranges disclosed are intended to support any range or value within thedisclosed numerical ranges even though a precise range limitation is notstated verbatim in the specification because this invention can bepracticed throughout the disclosed numerical ranges. It is also to beunderstood that all numerical values and ranges set forth in thisapplication are necessarily approximate. It also to be understood thatwithin these ranges, the Alt-diesel formulation can be tailored to meetthe ASTM specifications of a wide range of petroleum fuels in the dieselfamily including, but not limited to, numbers 1 through 5 specificationdiesel, home heating oil, and aviation jet fuel.

The above description is presented to enable a person skilled in the artto make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of aparticular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied toother embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. Thus, this invention is not intended to belimited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

1. A fuel formulation comprising: 25 to 75 vol. % vegetable oil fromwhich the glycerin has not been removed; 25 to 75 vol. % petroleumdiesel; 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer; and 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetaneboost additive.
 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein the cetane boostadditive comprises octylnitrate.
 3. The formulation of claim 1, whereinthe vegetable oil is a non-edible plant oil.
 4. The formulation of claim1, wherein the vegetable oil comprises jatropha oil, algae oil, soy oil,or peanut oil.
 5. The formulation of claim 1, further comprising 1 to 20vol. % turpentine.
 6. The fuel formulation of claim 1, wherein the fuelformulation is configured to be used as an automotive fuel.
 7. The fuelformulation of claim 1, further comprising 25 to 75 vol. % kerosene. 8.A fuel formulation comprising: 25 to 75 vol. % vegetable oil from whichthe glycerin has not been removed; 1 to 50 vol. % petroleum diesel; 1 to50 vol. % turpentine; 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer; and 0.01 to 5vol. % cetane boost additive.
 9. The formulation of claim 8, wherein thecetane boost additive comprises octylnitrate.
 10. The formulation ofclaim 8, wherein the vegetable oil is a non-edible plant oil.
 11. Theformulation of claim 8, wherein the vegetable oil comprises jatrophaoil, algae oil, soy oil, or peanut oil.
 12. The fuel formulation ofclaim 8, wherein the fuel formulation is configured to be used as anautomotive fuel.
 13. The fuel formulation of claim 8, further comprising1 to 50 vol. % kerosene.
 14. A fuel formulation comprising: 70 to 98vol. % vegetable oil; 1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel; and 1 to 20 vol.% regular gasoline.
 15. The formulation of claim 14, wherein glycerinhas not been removed from the vegetable oil.
 16. The formulation ofclaim 14, further comprising 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetane boost additive. 17.The formulation of claim 16, wherein the cetane boost additive comprisesoctylnitrate.
 18. The formulation of claim 14, further comprising 0.001to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer.
 19. The formulation of claim 14, whereinthe vegetable oil is a non-edible plant oil.
 20. The formulation ofclaim 14, wherein the vegetable oil comprises jatropha oil, algae oil,soy oil, or peanut oil.
 21. The formulation of claim 14, furthercomprising 1 to 20 vol. % turpentine.
 22. The fuel formulation of claim14, wherein the fuel formulation is configured to be used as anautomotive fuel.
 23. The fuel formulation of claim 14, furthercomprising 1 to 20 vol. % kerosene.
 24. A fuel formulation comprising:70 to 98 vol. % vegetable oil; 1 to 40 vol. % ethanol; 1 to 20 vol. %petroleum diesel; and 0.01 to 40 vol. % surfactant.
 25. The formulationof claim 24, wherein glycerin has not been removed from the vegetableoil.
 26. The formulation of claim 24, further comprising 0.01 to 5 vol.% cetane boost additive.
 27. The formulation of claim 26, wherein thecetane boost additive comprises octylnitrate.
 28. The formulation ofclaim 24, further comprising 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuel stabilizer.
 29. Theformulation of claim 24, wherein the surfactant comprises toluene. 30.The formulation of claim 24, wherein the vegetable oil is a non-edibleplant oil.
 31. The formulation of claim 24, wherein the vegetable oilcomprises jatropha oil, algae oil, soy oil, or peanut oil.
 32. Theformulation of claim 24, further comprising 1 to 20 vol. % turpentine.33. The fuel formulation of claim 24, wherein the fuel formulation isconfigured to be used as an automotive fuel.
 34. A method of producing afuel formulation comprising: blending together 70 to 98 vol. % vegetableoil in which the glycerin has not been removed, 1 to 20 vol. % petroleumdiesel, and 1 to 20 vol. % regular gasoline.
 35. A method of producing afuel formulation comprising: blending together 70 to 98 vol. % vegetableoil in which the glycerin has not been removed, 1 to 40 vol. % ethanol,1 to 20 vol. % petroleum diesel, and 0.01 to 40 vol. % surfactant.
 36. Amethod of producing a fuel formulation comprising: blending together 25to 75 vol. % vegetable oil in which the glycerin has not been removed, 1to 50 vol. % petroleum diesel, 1 to 50 vol. % turpentine, 0.001 to 5vol. % fuel stabilizer, and 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetane boost additive. 37.A method of producing a fuel formulation comprising: blending together25 to 75 vol. % vegetable oil in which the glycerin has not beenremoved, 25 to 75 vol. % petroleum diesel, 0.001 to 5 vol. % fuelstabilizer; and 0.01 to 5 vol. % cetane boost additive.